Big day for sports champ John & June

Local sporting identity John Gibbons and wife June (pictured) of Ermington chalk up another milestone when they celebrate their Diamond Wedding anniversary tomorrow.

The couple were married in St Anne’s Church Ryde on March 11, 1950 and have lived in the area all their lives. Gibbons,81, was a prolific goal scoring centre forward with Ryde-Hunters Hill first grade hockey team and represented NSW at four Australian Championships from 1953 to ‘56 - including the undefeated Noall Shield-winning team of 1953.

John also represented NSW against India, Pakistan, Malaysia and the USA Olympic team as well as helping Sydney Hockey Association win numerous State Championship titles.

During the late 1950s and early 1960s, Gibbons starred for Bayview Cricket Club as an all rounder in the Gladesville Cricket Association - winning a total of six A Grade premierships. He served in the 2nd AIF with BCOF in Japan and these days can be found on the bowling greens at Ryde Ex Services Club where he has been a member for 61 years. Last year John was a member of the Ryde X Phoenix No 2 pennant side that won the Zone 10 flag to advance to the State play offs. The win also made Ryde Ex eligible to field a No 1 side for the first time ever in 2010. June, a Ryde girl of 82 years, has dedicated herself to her family all her life. The couple have two daughters Denise and Carol, a son Gregory and four grandchildren.

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